Mike CHS
Herd Master
Amazing how fast the grass is growing this year. I have had to use the tractor to cut paths for our netting since the mower can't handle it.
mysunwolf - four acres and some sheep
Baymule
Herd Master
I love your sheep, so lovely! But I have to admit that I am envious of your lush beautiful GRASS!!! I am admiring that lovely GRASS and FORAGE that is just over the rainbow-WOW! One of these days, when I grow up, I want GRASS just like THAT!! 
Mini Horses
Herd Master
Pretty sheep -- as I've said before -- but the grass is awesome!!
CntryBoy777
Herd Master
It all looks good!!....sorry ya are having problems with parasites, hopefully the load will decrease as summer takes over and the moisture subsides a bit.
- Thread starter
- #145
mysunwolf
Herd Master
I love your sheep, so lovely! But I have to admit that I am envious of your lush beautiful GRASS!!! I am admiring that lovely GRASS and FORAGE that is just over the rainbow-WOW! One of these days, when I grow up, I want GRASS just like THAT!!
Aw you guys!! Thank you!! I love my pasture so much. I wish I had a tractor most days. But with only 3 acres it doesn't make enough financial sense. One day, I will have my 20 acre sheep farm and then I can have a tractor.
I think this year was the perfect storm for tall grass: a wet spring, strip grazing, plenty of chicken manure (from broiler tractors), my riding mower (I can now mow behind the sheep, the grass loves this), and we frost-seed almost every year. This last year was just spot-seeding some patches that my free range pigs had dug up, and now I have a good couple of sections of peas, barley, oats, and clovers. This next fall and winter we'll be sewing timothy and birdsfoot trefoil. I also hand dig thistles, and am working on identifying every single plant so that I can leave good forage and start my crusade on the bad stuff. Mowing has really helped with the horsenettle. Next year will be my "war on burdock." I just love nurturing the pasture, it feels like a unique animal of its own
I may be just a bit crazy.Thank you! And the only problem here is that the summers are wet too... and the falls. Winter is our dry season, and that's only about half the time. Worm loads usually peak in June/July, then begin to fall in September/October. Plus we haven't had a day over 90 degrees in two years
Perfect conditions to grow barber pole and tapeworms, yuck.
CntryBoy777
Herd Master
That sure does make it difficult on ya. The seed is pretty pricey, but if ya have any lespadeza there it would be worth nuturing and alowing them to eat it....tho, I know goats eat it, but unsure about sheep. It is a natural parasite control, not that ya wouldn't still have to treat them, but it could lessen the load for them some. I have a few patches around here that I'm hoping to spread. The ducks and chickens love it too.
I know what ya mean about tending to the pasture/field, I feel and do the same thing. I'm trying to improve the grasses and other available plants, also.
I know what ya mean about tending to the pasture/field, I feel and do the same thing. I'm trying to improve the grasses and other available plants, also.
norseofcourse
Herd Master
I have pasture envy here, too... looks wonderful!
Baymule
Herd Master
I have a war on poison hemlock, black nightshade and pigweed. I pull my wagon and pile them in it, then toss on the burn pile. I have sand, think beach without the ocean. We got over 70 loads of wood chips from power line contractors that are composting right now. I plan on spreading them in order to add humus to the oil. We have spread them around the barn, driveway and other bare areas to help hold dust down. Yeah, I totally get where you are coming from on your pasture improvement. I am even letting a patch of Bermuda grow in my garden so I can harvest sprigs from it to plant in other areas.
Bruce
Herd Master
My wars are burdock and stinging nettle. Nasty stuff both and they both have roots nearly to China so you can't easily pull them. Good luck with your wars!
